The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has suspended its Member of Parliament and IFP Youth Brigade (IFPYB) national chairperson Sanele Zondo, following allegations of domestic abuse levelled against him by his spouse Simenyiwe Dlomo-Zondo.
Zondo was suspended from party roles and responsibilities with immediate effect until further notice, the IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said.
Zondo, on Monday pleaded with the public for assistance in locating his missing wife, Dlomo Zondo.
Zondo said last known contact with Dlomo-Zondo was at about 11am on August 16, leaving her family and loved ones deeply concerned about her whereabouts.
“The Zondo and Dlomo families, concerned about the well-being of Simenyiwe and are appealing to the public for their assistance in locating her,” he said in a statement.
In a turn of events, on Wednesday, Dlomo-Zondo said she was safe and sound at an undisclosed location. She publicly accused her politician husband of abuse.
In an Instagram live, a tearful Dlomo-Zondo said she was being abused by her husband. Dlomo-Zondo said she was shocked to see Zondo referring to her as a “beloved wife” on a Facebook post about her disappearance and linking it to his political status.
“Why is he misleading people, why is he lying saying my going missing is about his political status,” she said speaking in Zulu.
Hlengwa said all IFPYB matters will be handled by the office of national secretary of the IFPYB and during this period, Zondo is expected to attend to his personal and family matters.
"Comrade Sanele Zondo is placed on special leave from all Party roles and responsibilities with immediate effect and until further notice. All IFPYB matters will be handled by the Office of National Secretary of the IFPYB. During this period, Comrade Zondo is expected to attend to his personal and family matters," said Hlengwa.
The party added that this decision was informed by the fact that it has pledged support for the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and has always expressed commitment, through its policies and manifestos, to true and meaningful women’s empowerment.
"With regard to the allegations made by Mrs Zondo, the IFP believes that the relevant law enforcement agencies must deal with these allegations. The IFP NEC will respond to media inquiries and update the public as and when it is necessary.
“The IFP has always expressed its commitment, through its policies and manifestos, to true and meaningful women’s empowerment. We have pledged our support in the fight against gender-based violence.We therefore take this matter extremely seriously and wish to assure the public of our commitment to deal with this matter with the urgent priority and attention it deserves and requires," added Hlengwa.
The IFP women’s brigade chairperson Ntombifuthi Ntshayintshayi said they are against any form of abuse, she added that the matter is being handled by the national leadership.
“The women’s brigade is against GBV, but right now the matter is at the national level and they will direct the way forward after the internal investigation,” said Ntshayintshayi.
The Mercury